NakNoise Two

I’m back for round 2 of NakNoise and I’ve got ten new tunes for you to get your mitts on. In case you’ve forgotten, my name is Clark and I’ll be providing you with music that will probably make your co-workers raise their eyebrows. You won’t find any Lady Gaga or Kenny Chesney here, but every two weeks or so I’ll be posting new and interesting music for your listening pleasure. I’ll do my best to provide an array of different types of music, as the main goal of this project is to help broaden your horizons and give your music collection a kick in the rear end. Without further ado here is this weeks list:

1. Shlohmo – Places

Shlomo was described to me as, “Mount Kimbie infused with smooth hip hop.”. After listening to some of his jams, I’d be inclined to agree. This a definite head nodder that is smoothly layered and gives off a slight neo-soul vibe. Henry Laufer is yet another super talented producer that makes me want to face palm when I remember he is only 20 years old. In college, I would have much preferred if more students expressed themselves this way instead of pointing their speakers out the window and blasting Linkin Park.

2. Bon Iver – Holocene

Bon Iver, which interestingly is pronounced “Bone Ee-Vare” (Don’t feel bad, I mispronounced it for ages), recently dropped their self-titled sophomore album. To simply say they’ve stepped up their game would be a huge understatement; this album is a monumental achievement. “Bon Iver” comfortably sits in my top 3 best albums of 2011. Holocene is the result of Bon Iver’s ability to create a more expansive, grandiose sound, without losing the raw emotion that made the first album so endearing. As of right now, “Bon Iver” is to 2011 as The Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” was to 2010.

3. Virgo Four – It’s a Crime (Caribou Remix)

Its a remix by Caribou. Do I really need anymore motivation? Listen, enjoy, & then hit repeat.

4. Toro Y Moi – Still Sound

When Toro Y Moi dropped Underneath The Pine early this year, I had a hell of a time dislodging my size 14 foot out of my mouth. I was hugely critical of his debut album which, in my opinion, garnished a lot of undeserved praise. Still Sound is the best example of the direction Toro Y Moi took with this album. There is a lot less of the same chillwave sound that everyone and their mom was releasing in 2010 and more of a funky, retro vibe that I definitely dig.

5. Superhumanoids – Mikelah

“Mikelah” is the type of song that I love to write about; its a track that harmoniously blends different genres and results in a much more intriguing and memorable track. Admittedly, I’ve grown tired of dream pop and bands hiding behind reverb and distortion to hide their flaws; however, these guys have managed to produce a refreshing take on the genre.

6. Bjork – Crystalline

The top dog is back and, as usual, it sounds as if she never took a break. She effortlessly blends her signature sound with the new soundscapes that have nurtured and grown since her last major release. Crystalline is the first single from her next album, Biophilia. Bjork recently a gave a statement on “Crystallline” and her new music, â€œâ€¦how sound works in nature, exploring the infinite expanse of the universe, from planetary systems to atomic structure.â€ This track glimmers, it swirls, and has a surprising, but not unappreciated surprise near its close.

7. Motion Sickness Of Time Travel – Telepathy

Over the last year we have been blessed with a multitude of excellent experimental / drone releases. Emeralds, Oneohtrix Point Never, Tim Hecker, & Julianna Barwick just to name a few. I’ve grown to love this style of music; the sweeping synths, alien-like bleeps, and the fleeting vocals that almost always tip toe on the line of comprehension. The track runs for 13:00 minutes and may require a bit a patience from the casual listener; however, you will be rewarded with a truly astonishing piece of music.

8. Invisible Conga People – In a Hole

With only about half a dozen released tracks under their belt, the Invisible Conga People are a bit mysterious. Their lack of music releases belie their talents. This year, they dropped their second EP, “In a Hole”, which is comprised of 2 tracks, as well, as dub versions of both. The pitched down vocal, the percussion, and the atmosphere were all reminiscent to my favorite artist in 2009, Fever Ray. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait another three years for their next release!

9. Radiohead – Lotus Flower (Jacques Greene RMX)

Recently, Radiohead announced they would be releasing two remixes from their latest album, “King of Limbs”. This remix, along with Caribou’s remix of Little by Little are releasing this week and both deserve your attention. Jacques Greene, is not an unknown, but is by no means a house hold name. If you enjoy this track I implore you to find some of this other music; his 2011 track, “Another Girl”, is a winner!

10. Benoit & Sergio – Everybody

VisionQuest does it again! Tale of Us’, “Dark Song” graced the previous list and their label mates, Benoit & Sergio, moseyed their way in this week. I saw both duos in DEMF this year and they definitely repped it hard at Old Miami. Their music just has a fantastic groove that makes you wanna get up and dance. Perfect for the summer, “Everybody” is a wonderful mix of deep house and synth pop.